Chapter 18- the realignment of the Labour Party Flashcards
what changes did Kinnock make to the manifesto by 1988
ditched:
withdrawal from EEC
unilateral nuclear disarmament
rises in taxes on high incomes
how did kinnock signal a split with trade unions in 1989
ended the labour parties support for closed shop policies
what represents Kinnock’s revolution of the party
favourites in the polls to win 1992 election even after appointment of major
what was kinnock criticised for
being too complacent and losing 1992 election
when did kinnock resign
4 days after 1992 election
who took over from kinnock and why
former shadow chancellor John smith as he was seen as very trusted with the economy which was struggling after black Wednesday
what did Smith introduce in the voting for parliamentary candidates in 1993
one member one vote (OMOV)
what was the effect of OMOV on trade unions
lessened their impact
why did Blair take over from smith
he died suddenly of a heart attack in 1994 at 55
what was the agreement made between Blair and brown and why
Blair would act as leader and brown would be be the strategist and policy experts, thought that they agreed that brown would be leader at some point as Blair would stand down.
they did this to avoid a leadership battle that would split the party
why did Blair persuade the Labour Party to rewrite clause IV of their manifesto in 1995
communism had collapsed so socialist policies seemed outdated
what did Blair promise about labour spending plans
they would mirror conservative spending plans
what song did Labour use for their 1997 campaign
Things can only get better
what were the five promises of the labour pledge card
cut class sizes to 30 for 5,6,7 year olds by using money from assisted places scheme
fast-track punishment for persistent young offenders by halving time from arrest to sentencing
cut NHS waiting lists by treating extra 100,000 by release g £100 million saved from NHS red tape
no ride in income tax rates, cut VAT on heating to 5% and keep inflation and interest rates as low as possible
get 250,000 under 25’s off benefits and into work by using money from privatised utilities
what percentage of conservatives lost their seats in 1997
50%
